Vipers Surge Late, Sting Samurai 112-99 on Okada's Scoring Barrage
Okada Powers Vipers Past Samurai with Clutch Second Half
By Sarah Chen
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Vipers showcased their resilience and offensive firepower tonight, overcoming a spirited Tokyo Samurai squad to secure a 112-99 victory at the Staples Center. Down by as many as ten in the second quarter, the Vipers clawed their way back, with Kenzo Okada leading the charge in a dominant second half that shifted the momentum decisively.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading blows. The Samurai, led by the dynamic playmaking of Cassian Patel, found success with their long-range shooting, hitting 14 threes. However, the Vipers’ rebounding advantage, particularly from Leo Martinez who corralled 10 boards, kept them within striking distance.
The turning point arrived midway through the third quarter. After a beautiful three-pointer from Zara Ali tied the game at 67, Okada took over. He ignited a 12-0 run with a silky smooth jump shot, adding another bucket moments later. His aggressive drives and mid-range prowess proved too much for the Samurai defense. Rhys Caldwell kept the Samurai within striking distance with his own scoring burst, but the Vipers’ balanced attack and suffocating defense in the final frame sealed the win.
“We knew they had the potential to hit tough shots, but we focused on our defense and trusting our offense,” said Vipers Head Coach Maria Rodriguez. “Kenzo was phenomenal tonight. He really set the tone for us when we needed it most.”
Okada finished the game with a game-high 19 points, adding 8 rebounds and 4 assists. For the Samurai, Rhys Caldwell also put up 19 points, while Cassian Patel dished out an impressive 11 assists.
Key Notes:
- Kenzo Okada led all scorers with 19 points.
- Leo Martinez dominated the boards with 10 rebounds.
- Cassian Patel dished out a game-high 11 assists.
- The Vipers out-rebounded the Samurai 52-38.
- Los Angeles secured the win despite shooting just 57.9% from the free-throw line.